Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) in order to establish a pre-release turtle rehabilitation area at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The project, which is the final stage of the rehabilitation cycle before the marine animals are released back into the sea, is an expansion of the EAD’s Wildlife Rescue Program in collaboration with The National Aquarium. It is in line with Abu Dhabi’s existing conservation efforts to prepare the animals for release into Abu Dhabi’s waters in 2023.
The MoU aims to reinforce communication and cooperation between the involved parties and ensure effective collaboration on the project. The Memorandum was signed by Mr. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi and Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD.
Under the direction and supervision of EAD and with the cooperation of DCT Abu Dhabi, the National Aquarium will contribute valuable expertise from the Wildlife Rescue Program to guarantee that the sea turtle rehabilitation area operates to the highest standards.
Reflective on the sea turtles’ natural habitat, Louvre Abu Dhabi was chosen as a suitable rehabilitation area for marine animals to exercise and acclimatise in preparation for their eventual release. The area will be accessible to visitors, who can gain insight into the rehabilitation of the turtles through exhibits, workshops and curated events.
The aim of conservation and rehabilitation efforts is to ensure the survival of Abu Dhabi’s abundance of important yet fragile marine species whilst educating the public on living sustainably alongside these creatures.
“The collaboration of government departments, environmental groups, and leading academics to work towards a common goal is a powerful formula for facilitating positive conservation outcomes. By signing an MoU with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, DCT Abu Dhabi is strengthening the strategic position of the emirate as a champion of critical sustainability issues. We are amplifying our ability to provide solutions to today’s challenges while collaborating with leading figures to benefit from new perspectives and to develop new solutions. By supporting this programme, which thus far has led to the rescue and release of more than 500 sea turtles, we are showcasing our conservation efforts and highlighting Abu Dhabi’s role in prioritizing sustainable tourism-focused initiatives,” Mr. Al Geziry remarked.
The National Aquarium’s marine biologists will ensure the area operates at the highest level of safety, quality and professionalism in line with international benchmarks for best practice. EAD, as the main environmental regulator in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and an organisation with several rehabilitation programmes for the conservation of biodiversity, will play an integral role in this project, leading all turtles released back into their natural habitats. EAD and The National Aquarium have released over 400 turtles.
Moreover, as a project partner, DCT Abu Dhabi is taking the lead in promoting eco-tourism projects that meet the emirate’s vital conservation needs of protecting wildlife and maintaining biodiversity while appealing to both domestic and foreign tourists’ interests.